1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass problems

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The Oldsmobile Cutlass was a series of automobiles produced by General Motors' Oldsmobile division between 1961 and 1999. At its introduction, the Cutlass was Oldsmobile's entry-level model; it began as a unibody compact car, but saw its greatest success as a body-on-frame intermediate. The Cutlass was named after Vought F7U Cutlass, as well as the type of sword, which was common during the Age of Sail.

Introduced as the top trim level in Oldsmobile's compact F-85 Series, the Cutlass evolved into a distinct series of its own, spawning numerous variants. These included the 4-4-2 muscle car in 1964, the upscale Cutlass Supreme in 1966, the high-performance Hurst/Olds in 1968, and the Vista Cruiser station wagon.

By the 1980s, Oldsmobile was using the Cutlass as a sub-marque, with numerous vehicle lines bearing the name simultaneously. The compact Cutlass Calais, midsize Cutlass Ciera, Cutlass Cruiser station wagon, and flagship midsize Cutlass Supreme were among the models available during this time.

In the 1990s, Oldsmobile began moving away from its traditional model lines, with other legacy vehicle nameplates like the 98 and 88 being discontinued in 1996 and 1999, respectively. The Cutlass name was likewise retired in 1999 in favor of the all-new Oldsmobile Alero, ending nearly 40 years of continuous Cutlass production.

1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass

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Common 1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass problems

The Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, produced in 1990, is known for several common problems that have been reported by owners. Here are some of the most frequently mentioned issues and their details:

  • Ignition switch failures: Some drivers of the 1990 Cutlass Supreme experienced problems with the ignition switch failing, causing the car to stall or not start at all. In some cases, the entire ignition switch needed to be replaced to resolve the issue.
  • Transmission problems: Transmission issues, such as slipping or failing, were also common in the fifth generation Cutlass Supreme. These problems could lead to a decrease in performance or even a complete breakdown of the transmission. In some cases, the transmission needed to be rebuilt or replaced to solve the issue.
  • Air conditioning system malfunctions: Some drivers reported problems with the air conditioning system not blowing cold air or only blowing from certain vents. In some cases, the issue was with the compressor, and in others, it was with the evaporator or the control module.
  • Electrical issues: Electrical problems have been reported in various Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme models, including the 1990 version. These issues can range from battery problems, alternator problems, starter problems, and electrical wiring problems.
  • Instrument cluster problems: Instrument cluster problems, such as speedometer failure, fuel gauge malfunction, temperature gauge failure, and faulty warning lights, have been reported in Oldsmobile sedans, including the Cutlass Supreme.
  • Engine problems: Engine issues, such as engine misfire, overheating, engine oil leaks, engine stalling, timing belt issues, and fuel system problems, have been reported in various Oldsmobile models, including the Cutlass Supreme.
  • Brake problems: Brake problems, such as brake pad and rotor problems, brake fluid leaks, and brake line problems, have been reported in various Oldsmobile models, including the Cutlass Supreme.
  • Body and interior problems: Body and interior problems, such as rust issues, power window problems, door lock problems, and heating and air conditioning problems, have been reported in various Oldsmobile models, including the Cutlass Supreme.

In summary, the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, produced in 1990, has several common problems that have been reported by owners. These issues include fuel injector problems, ignition switch failures, transmission problems, air conditioning system malfunctions, electrical issues, instrument cluster problems, engine problems, brake problems, and body and interior problems. Proper maintenance and repairs can help resolve many of these issues.

1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass engine

Is an Oldsmobile Cutlass reliable?

It ranks 6th in reliability out of 12 eligible Oldsmobile models. Our reliability rank is based on our PainRank™ system. A higher number means you can expect more significant problems. The average Oldsmobile score is 3.73 while the Cutlass Supreme comes in at 2.41.

What engine is in a 1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass?

Used 1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme - Specs & Features

Engine
Base engine size3.1 L
CylindersV6
Base engine typeGas
Horsepower135 hp @ 4,400 rpm

Is a Oldsmobile Cutlass a muscle car?

Introduced as the top trim level in Oldsmobile's compact F-85 Series, the Cutlass evolved into a distinct series of its own, spawning numerous variants, including the 4-4-2 muscle car in 1964, premium Cutlass Supreme in 1966, and outright performance Hurst/Olds in 1968, as well as the Vista Cruiser station wagon.

What are some facts about the Oldsmobile Cutlass?

The Oldsmobile Cutlass was a range of automobiles produced by General Motors' Oldsmobile division between 1961 and 1999. At its introduction, the Cutlass was Oldsmobile's smallest model; it began as a unibody compact car, but saw its greatest success as a body-on-frame intermediate.

Is an Oldsmobile Cutlass reliable?

It ranks 6th in reliability out of 12 eligible Oldsmobile models. Our reliability rank is based on our PainRank™ system. A higher number means you can expect more significant problems. The average Oldsmobile score is 3.73 while the Cutlass Supreme comes in at 2.41.

What engine is in a 1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass?

Used 1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme - Specs & Features

Engine
Base engine size3.1 L
CylindersV6
Base engine typeGas
Horsepower135 hp @ 4,400 rpm

Is a Oldsmobile Cutlass a muscle car?

Introduced as the top trim level in Oldsmobile's compact F-85 Series, the Cutlass evolved into a distinct series of its own, spawning numerous variants, including the 4-4-2 muscle car in 1964, premium Cutlass Supreme in 1966, and outright performance Hurst/Olds in 1968, as well as the Vista Cruiser station wagon.

What are some facts about the Oldsmobile Cutlass?

The Oldsmobile Cutlass was a range of automobiles produced by General Motors' Oldsmobile division between 1961 and 1999. At its introduction, the Cutlass was Oldsmobile's smallest model; it began as a unibody compact car, but saw its greatest success as a body-on-frame intermediate.

1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the 1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass.

1997-04-08
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: CONNECTICUT, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT AND WISCONSIN. THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS PULL THROUGH THE RETAINERS DUE TO CORROSION OF THE RETAINER. IF BOTH BOLTS PULL THROUGH, THE REAR CRADLE WOULD NOT LONGER BE SUPPORTED AT THESE MOUNTING LOCATIONS AND THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT CAN SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING GEAR.
  • Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD RESULT.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.
1995-06-05
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: WHEELS
  • Summary: CRACKS DEVELOP IN THE WHEEL MOUNTING SURFACE. IF THESE CRACKS BECOME SEVERE ENOUGH, THE WHEEL WILL COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
  • Consequence: IF WHEEL SEPARATION OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, LOSS OF STEERING AND BRAKE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE OCCURS, AND A VEHICLE CRASH COULD RESULT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE MANUFACTURING DATE CODES STAMPED ON EACH WHEEL OF THE VEHICLE AND IF A WHEEL FALLS WITHIN THE SPECIFIED DATE CODE RANGE, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THAT WHEEL ASSEMBLY.
1995-03-28
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: WHEELS
  • Summary: CRACKS DEVELOP IN THE WHEEL MOUNTING SURFACE. IF THESE CRACKS BECOME SEVERE ENOUGH, THE WHEEL WILL COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
  • Consequence: IF WHEEL SEPARATION OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, LOSS OF STEERING AND BRAKE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE OCCURS, AND A VEHICLE CRASH COULD RESULT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE MANUFACTURING CODES STAMPED ON EACH WHEEL OF THE VEHICLE AND IF A WHEEL FALLS WITHIN THE SPECIFIED DATE CODE RANGE, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THAT WHEEL ASSEMBLY.
1991-10-02
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: FRONT SHOULDER SAFETY BELT WEBBING MAY SEPARATE AT FRONT BELT UPPER GUIDE LOOPS ON EITHER SIDE OF THE FRONT SEAT.
  • Consequence: WEBBING SEPARATION COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING ANDINCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO BELTED FRONT OUTBOARD OCCUPANTS IN A HIGH ENERGYCRASH.
  • Remedy: INSTALL A CONTROLLED ROTATION BRACKET ON DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEAT BELT GUIDE LOOPS.
1990-10-16
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
  • Summary: BRAKE STOPLAMPS MAY NOT ILLUMINATE OR, IN SOME CASES, STOPLAMPS WILL NOT STAY ILLUMINATED ALL THE TIME WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED DUE TO A FAULTY STOPLAMP SWITCH. ALSO IN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CRUISE CONTROL, A FAULTY STOPLAMP SWITCH CAN RESULT IN RESUMPTION OF THE CRUISE CONTROL FUNCTION UPON RELEASE OF THE BRAKE PEDAL.
  • Consequence: A TRAILING VEHICLE MAY NOT RECOGNIZE A BRAKING ACTIONIN TIME TO RESPOND APPROPRIATELY. ALSO, CRUISE CONTROL WILL REENGAGE UPONRELEASE OF THE BRAKE PEDAL AND RESUME THE SET SPEED. IN EITHER CASE, IT COULDRESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
  • Remedy: INSTALL AN IMPROVED DESIGN STOPLAMP SWITCH.
1990-03-14
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: FRONT SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOP ATTACHMENT FASTENER MAY PULL THROUGH DOOR MOUNTED ANCHOR PLATE.
  • Consequence: SEAT BELT MAY NOT SUSTAIN LOADS REQUIRED BY FMVSS 210, AND IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT, THE SEAT BELT MAY NOT PROPERLY RESTRAIN A PASSENGER, RESULTING IN INCREASED RISK OF GREATER INJURY TO AN OCCUPANT.
  • Remedy: REPLACE FRONT SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOP ATTACHMENT NUTS AND INSTALL NEW GUIDE COVER.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass problems:

Q&A: 1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme - Common Issues ...
Q&A: 1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme - Common Issues ...
https://www.justanswer.com/oldsmobile/6zvx5-oldsmobile-cutlass-1990-oldsmobile-cutlass-supreme-3-1l.html

Aug 5, 2012 ... The problem may then be a loss of the injector reference signal from the igniton control module to the ECM. Best way to test this is to remove ...

1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais starting problems - Maintenance ...
1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais starting problems - Maintenance ...
https://community.cartalk.com/t/1990-oldsmobile-cutlass-calais-starting-problems/84034

Mar 4, 2014 ... I have an a new radiator put in, spark plugs, new battery and a timing chain. However, after driving it somewhere (Driving at least 10mins ...

Q&A: 1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera - Common Issues & Solutions
Q&A: 1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera - Common Issues & Solutions
https://www.justanswer.com/oldsmobile/59982-oldsmobile-1990-oldsmobile-cutlass-ciera-w-3-3-bo-engine.html

Jul 11, 2011 ... The problem you are experiencing is failure of the fuel pump. The pump is running but will not supply enough fuel pressure to accelerate the ...

95 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Problems — Car Forums at ...
95 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Problems — Car Forums at ...
https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/965/oldsmobile/cutlass/95-oldsmobile-cutlass-supreme-problems

Aug 1, 2000 ... 95 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Problems ... Failure of alternators seems to be an all too common problem with GM cars. ... My 1990 Cutlass Calais ( ...

1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Problems and Complaints - 24 ...
1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Problems and Complaints - 24 ...
https://repairpal.com/1990-oldsmobile-cutlass-supreme/problems

Problem with your 1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme? Our list of 24 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme.

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